Canakkale Airport

Canakkale Airport (IATA: CKZ) is the gateway to one of the most historically significant regions of Turkey. Located on the Asian shore of the Dardanelles Strait, it serves as a starting point for travellers eager to see legendary Troy, the Gallipoli battlefields, and the charming islands of the Aegean Sea. This small and modern airport, opened in 1995, ensures a comfortable start to a journey through a land where myth intertwines with reality. Its proximity to the city and key attractions makes it an ideal choice for those who value time and convenience.

The main advantage of Canakkale Airport is its compactness and convenient location. It is situated just a few kilometres from the city centre, allowing you to reach your hotel or the ferry crossing in a matter of minutes. Although the airport primarily serves domestic flights, mainly to Ankara, it plays a key role in the region's transport system. Inside the terminal building, renovated in 2008, passengers have access to essential services, including information desks, ticket offices, and cafes. It is the perfect choice for tourists who wish to begin their exploration of the rich cultural and historical heritage of north-western Turkey without unnecessary hassle.

• Official Website: Current information about Canakkale Airport operations can be found on the official website of the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ).
• Information Desk Phone: +90 286 213 10 21
• Address: Çanakkale Havalimanı, 17020, Merkez/Çanakkale, Türkiye
• Email: infocanakkale@dhmi.gov.tr
• Social Media: The airport does not have separate official social media pages. News and updates are published on the general DHMİ portal or airline websites.
• Lost & Found Information: For baggage tracing issues (Lost & Found), please contact the representative of the airline you flew with or the ground handling service directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information and assistance, you can use the main airport information desk phone number.

Canakkale Airport (CKZ) is located in the immediate vicinity of the city, making the journey there quick and convenient. Travelling from the centre of Canakkale to the airport or back will take very little time, and thanks to the variety of transport options, every tourist travelling around Turkey will be able to choose the best option for themselves.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly way to reach the terminal. City buses run regularly on the "city centre — airport" route. The trip usually takes no more than 15–20 minutes and will cost approximately 20–35 Turkish Liras (TRY). This is a great opportunity to experience the local atmosphere, save money, and reach your destination if you are travelling light. Check the payment method with the driver — in some cases, a transport card may be required.

Taxi or Private Transfer is the ideal choice for those who value comfort, travel with family, or have a lot of luggage. A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport will take just 5–10 minutes, and the cost will be approximately 150–250 Turkish Liras (TRY) depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. Cars can be found at taxi stands or ordered via a mobile app. For greater convenience, you can pre-book a private transfer: the driver will meet you at the designated location, and the price of the trip will be known in advance.

Car Rental is suitable for independent travellers who plan to explore not only the city but also its picturesque surroundings, such as the ruins of ancient Troy or Gallipoli National Park. You can rent a car either at the airport upon arrival or at one of the city offices of rental companies. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented car, there is convenient parking with rates for short-term and long-term stays.

Thus, the choice of transport depends on your personal preferences: bus for savings, taxi for speed and comfort, or a rental car for complete freedom of movement. Although Canakkale Airport is the main one for this region, it is worth remembering alternative options, such as Koca Seyit Airport in neighbouring Edremit, which may be convenient depending on your final itinerary.

Canakkale Airport (CKZ) is a small and modern regional airport characterized by a simple and clear structure. It consists of one passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights (primarily seasonal and charter). Thanks to its compact size, navigation through the airport is intuitive and does not cause difficulties even for first-time visitors.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. The building is divided into two main zones: departures and arrivals. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the general area where check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to the security screening area, which leads directly to a small departure lounge with several boarding gates. The arrivals area is equally concise: after disembarking from the aircraft, passengers enter the baggage claim hall with one or two belts, and then proceed to the exit into the city. Since there is only one terminal, transfers between terminals are not required — everything is located in one building within walking distance.

A distinctive feature of the airport is its compactness, which significantly reduces the time required for all formalities. Check-in and pre-flight security checks usually take very little time compared to major aviation hubs. As a rule, arriving 1.5 hours before departure for domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights is sufficient. This time is enough to check in luggage, pass through controls, and enjoy a coffee before boarding without rushing.

For convenient navigation, follow the signs, which are clearly visible and easy to understand. However, getting lost here is practically impossible: all key points — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are located on the same level and close to each other. This makes Canakkale Airport particularly convenient for families with children and passengers with reduced mobility.

The history of Canakkale Airport (CKZ) is inextricably linked with the development of tourism in this historically significant region of Turkey. Although an airfield existed earlier for military needs, its official opening for civil aviation took place in 1995. Initially, it was a small air station oriented primarily towards domestic flights, but its strategic location near legendary Troy and the Gallipoli memorials predetermined its further growth.

Key stages of the airport's development reflect the growing popularity of the region. The first significant step towards modernization was taken in 2008, when the terminal was reconstructed to improve passenger comfort and increase capacity. However, the real transformation occurred in anticipation of the opening of the "Canakkale 1915" bridge. As part of a large-scale project completed around 2020, the airport was practically rebuilt.

During this latest reconstruction, the runway was significantly expanded and lengthened to 3,000 metres. This became the main achievement in the airport's history, as it allowed it to accommodate larger types of aircraft, including long-haul ones, and opened doors for potential international flights. A new, spacious, and modern terminal meeting all international standards was erected.

One interesting fact is that Canakkale Airport retains the status of a joint-use airfield today, serving both civil and military aircraft. It does not hold loud records for passenger traffic on a national scale, but its history is a vivid example of how modern infrastructure can transform the tourism potential of an entire region, making world-famous historical monuments even more accessible to travellers from all over the globe.

Canakkale Airport (CKZ), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can drink coffee, have a sandwich, or try local pastries. There are also small shops where you can purchase souvenirs, press, and travel essentials.

For the convenience of travellers, comfortable seating is provided in the waiting lounges. You can stay connected thanks to free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal. If your gadget runs out of power, use the charging stations for electronic devices. It is worth noting that due to its size, the airport does not have separate VIP or business lounges, but the general waiting areas are quite comfortable.

ATMs for cash withdrawal are installed on the airport premises. The currency exchange office may not always be open, so it is recommended to exchange money in the city in advance. For emergencies, there is a medical point in the terminal ready to provide first aid. Families with small children can use the mother and child room for baby care. The airport is also equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility, but it is recommended to notify your airline in advance to receive assistance.

There are no hotels within the airport building itself, but many accommodation options can be found in the city of Canakkale, which is just a few minutes' drive away. There, in city hotels and business centres, you can find conference halls and rooms for business meetings, as such services are not provided at the airport itself.

Canakkale Airport (CKZ) is a small regional aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest and designed for basic passenger needs. Unlike large international hubs, you will not find a variety of restaurants here, but having a snack or drinking coffee before departure is certainly possible.

The main dining point in the airport is a small cafe-buffet located in the general hall of the terminal, accessible to both departing and arriving passengers (in the area before security control). Its opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: the cafe opens shortly before the first departure and closes after the last aircraft leaves.

The cafe menu mainly features light snacks, pastries, and drinks. Here you can try Turkish fast food classics: toast (hot sandwich with cheese or sausage), simit (famous Turkish bagel with sesame seeds), or fresh buns (poğaça). Standard sandwiches, salads, and desserts are also offered. This is a great place to drink a cup of traditional Turkish tea or Turkish coffee while waiting for a flight.

For passengers with special dietary preferences, the choice will be limited. Vegetarians will be able to find simple salads or pastries with cheese. Specialized vegan or gluten-free dishes are generally not on the menu. Most meat products in Turkey comply with Halal standards, but for complete certainty, it is better to clarify on the spot. Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city but remain at an acceptable level for a quick snack.

Recommendation: If you have time and want a full lunch, it is better to do so in one of the numerous restaurants in the city of Canakkale before travelling to the airport. The cafe at the airport is ideal for a quick snack and buying drinks before the flight, but not for a substantial meal.

To ensure your journey through Canakkale Airport goes as comfortably as possible, we recommend arriving in advance. For domestic flights within Turkey, allow at least 1.5 hours before departure, and for international flights — about 2 hours. Although Canakkale Airport is not among the largest, extra time will allow you to pass all formalities without rushing, especially during the peak tourist season.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to proceed immediately to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are travelling light, head straight to the security screening area. When passing security control, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage, as well as liquids in a separate bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your priorities. A window seat will give you the opportunity to admire the Dardanelles Strait during takeoff or landing. An aisle seat is more convenient if you plan to get up during the flight or want to be among the first to exit the plane upon arrival.

Liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a transparent bag with a capacity of up to 1 litre, are allowed in hand luggage. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances. Be sure to check your airline's rules, as there may be additional restrictions on the weight and dimensions of hand luggage.

If you are flying through Canakkale in transit, clarify at check-in whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. As a rule, on connecting flights of the same airline, luggage is checked through to the final destination. If you have two different bookings, you will likely have to go through all procedures again.

When entering Turkey through the international terminal, you will have to pass customs control. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying goods exceeding duty-free limits (e.g., tobacco, high-value electronics), they must be declared in the "Red Channel".

A few tips for budget travellers: check in for your flight online to avoid possible fees at the airport. Prices for food and drinks at airports are usually inflated, so a light snack brought with you won't hurt and will help save money.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first. Depending on the duration of the wait, you should be provided with drinks, meals, and for long delays — accommodation in a hotel. Stay calm and clearly find out your rights and the further plan of action from the air carrier's staff.